- Winter windshield fluid resists -20°C (premium to -40°C).
- If frozen, start engine to thaw, then add winter fluid gradually.
- Tires on icy roads: M+S or mountain-snowflake; age under 5 years, min 5 mm.
- Snow shovel, traction material, tire chains or anti-slip straps, and basic toolkit.
The cold season poses a serious challenge for any vehicle. Extreme cold, snow, increased moisture, and challenging road conditions can cause damage both in the short term and in the long term to your car. Thorough winter preparation is not just a precautionary measure — it is essential for your safety and that of your passengers, but also for the vehicle’s longevity.
Investing time and resources in proper winter readiness will help you avoid dangerous situations on the road, reduce the risk of costly breakdowns, and have complete confidence in your vehicle, regardless of the weather conditions.
windshield fluids: protection against freezing
Differences between summer and winter windshield fluids
Windshield washer fluid for the summer season and for winter have completely different compositions, tailored to the specific requirements of each season. While summer fluid focuses on effectively removing insect residues and dirt gathered during long journeys on dusty roads, the winter fluid is formulated specially to withstand low temperatures, having a much lower freezing point. A quality winter fluid must withstand temperatures of at least -20°C, and premium variants can work down to -40°C.
Replacement procedure and precautions
If there has been a sudden drop in temperature and the summer fluid has already frozen in the reservoir, do not force the washer system. Start the engine and let it run until the temperature in the engine compartment rises sufficiently to thaw the liquid. Then gradually add concentrated winter fluid to prevent re-freezing.
Make sure you have in the trunk a rapid-acting de-icer, a special brush with scraper for removing ice and snow, and a spare bottle of windshield washer fluid for emergencies.
winter tires: safety first
Legislation and technical requirements
Romanian law states that vehicles must be equipped with tires marked with the M+S symbol (Mud and Snow) or with the mountain with a snowflake pictogram when driving on sections of road covered with ice, glaze, or compacted snow.
Switching to winter tires is generally recommended by November 1, but this date may vary depending on your region and local weather conditions.
Checking tire condition
Winter tires must meet several essential safety requirements:
- Age: Should not be older than 5 years
- Tread depth: Minimum 5 mm for optimal safety (legally allowed is 1.6 mm, but not recommended)
- General condition: No sidewall cracks, deformations, or extensive repairs
How to check tire age
To determine the tire age, look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The code appears as “DOT xxxx 1521”, where the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. In the example, “1521” means the 15th week of 2021.
Additional mandatory equipment
In addition to winter tires, you should always have in the trunk:
- A snow shovel
- Traction material (sand mixed with salt)
- Tire chains or anti-slip straps
- A basic tool kit
oil and cooling system
Choosing the right oil for winter
In the cold season, most automakers recommend using a lower viscosity oil. For example, if you use 10W-40 in summer, in winter you should switch to 5W-40 or even 0W-40 in regions with very harsh winters.
Lower-viscosity oil remains fluid at low temperatures, ensuring optimal engine lubrication at cold starts and reducing wear.
Checking the cooling system
Antifreeze loses its properties over time, and after about two years of use its freezing point will be considerably higher. A degraded antifreeze can freeze even at moderate temperatures, causing serious engine damage.
Ask a mechanic to check the coolant concentration with a special tester and replace the antifreeze if necessary. The optimal concentration for Romania’s climate should protect down to -25°C or -30°C.
battery and electrical system
Impact of cold on the battery
Car batteries are vulnerable to low temperatures. A battery can lose up to 50% of its capacity when the temperature drops below -18°C. If your battery is more than three years old, a professional check before winter is essential.
Winter battery maintenance
- Cleaning terminals: Remove corrosion with a wire brush and apply vaseline to prevent further oxidation.
- Electrolyte level check: For serviceable batteries, ensure the electrolyte level covers the plates.
- Capacity testing: A professional battery capacity test will tell you if it will handle the increased winter demands.
Jump-start emergency kit
In the trunk you should always have a quality jump-start cable set, capable of delivering at least 400A for engines up to 2.0L and 600A for larger engines.
additional preparations to protect the vehicle
Protecting locks and seals
Door locks are vulnerable to freezing. Apply a teflon- or graphite-based spray lubricant to all locks. Avoid water-based lubricants that can freeze.
Rubber seals around doors and trunk should be cleaned and treated with a silicone-based protector to prevent sticking and cracking caused by freezing.
Heating and ventilation system
Check the heating and defrosting system. Replace the cabin air filter if clogged — this is crucial for effective defogging of the windows.
Test all fan speeds and ensure warm air reaches all important areas of the cabin.
winter emergency equipment
Personal protective gear
- Warm hat
- Insulated gloves
- Reflective safety vest
- Footwear with good grip
- Extra clothing in a waterproof bag
Technical and emergency equipment
- Flashlight with spare batteries or crank
- Car charger (preferably quick charge)
- Battery-powered radio for weather information
- Complete first aid kit
- Water and non-perishable food for 24 hours
- Emergency thermal blankets
fuel management during the cold season
Increased fuel consumption and safety reserve
During winter, fuel consumption rises for several reasons:
- The engine takes longer to reach the optimal temperature
- Heavy use of the heating system
- Slower traffic and more frequent stops
- Difficult road conditions requiring more cautious driving
Keep the tank at least half full at all times to prevent condensation in the tank and to have a sufficient reserve in case of snowdrifts.
fuel additives
In regions with harsh winters, consider using an anti-gel additive for diesel fuel, which prevents gel formation at extremely low temperatures.
defensive driving in winter
Principles of defensive driving
On winter roads, defensive driving becomes vital for safety:
- Avoid abrupt maneuvers: acceleration, braking, and cornering should be slow and progressive
- Maintain distance: Double or triple the distance to the vehicle in front
- Use main roads: They are typically better maintained and plowed
- Plan your route: Check weather conditions and road conditions before departure
Anticipation and adaptation
Winter driving requires constant anticipation of dangerous situations. Slow down well before intersections, curves, or hills. Use engine braking on descending slopes to avoid wheel lock-up.
Remember that it is always more important to reach your destination safely and later than to risk an accident by excessive haste. Your safety and that of other road users must be the number one priority in any situation.
